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Maitland walk #12: Morpeth

Suitability: Lovely walk around the historic village of Morpeth and you may well run over the time estimate as it is easy to get side-tracked by all the interesting and quirky shops and cafés. Ok to do with wheels but you’ll have to not do the two loops around the reserves and just stay on the road.

Park by the Queens Wharf jetty and picnic area, which is on the left hand side by the entrance to Morpeth if coming from East Maitland.

Start walking along the river and do a short loop around the reserve before heading up the hill on the road you drove in. Cross the road and turn left down Swan street. Turn right on Berkely street and walk up to High street. Turn left and walk along High street which has a number of buildings steeped in history. European settlement in Morpeth dates from the early 1800s and in the 19th century it was one of the busiest river ports in NSW.

When you get to George street turn right and walk up to Little James street which is at the end of town and you’ll see farmland beyond. Turn left and walk down to the t-section where you see a house with an impressive collection of garden ornaments. Turn right and follow John street around and walk across Edward street into the Ray Lawler and Morpeth Common wildfowl reserve. There is no real path visible here but walk in amongst the trees and soon you’ll see a little bridge over the duck pond on your left (see photo below). Cross over and now you’ll be on a path that loops around and back up on Edward street. Head down to Swan street and turn left and you’re now back on the main street of Morpeth.

There are also a number of historical buildings along Swan street and you can pick up a brochure with further information from Maitland Visitor information. Notably you’ll walk past the two hotels currently open in Morpeth, whereas in 1867 there were 11 hotels thriving in the town! You’ll also see the heritage listed timber truss bridge about halfway along (see photo above). Stay on Swan street all the way back to the Queens Wharf road which will take you back to where you parked your car.